“Shameless” is one of those shows that you think you wouldn’t get into, but suddenly, you realize you’ve binged-watched at least five episodes in one day, and you low-key wish you were a Gallagher. We’ve all been there. There’s something so endearing about the family and the hardships they go through (even if they are the cause of those hardships, *cough cough* Fiona). There are some characters that you love, some that you hate, and even some that you hate to love. Here’s the ultimate low-down on the characters from worst to best. Warning: spoilers!
16. Sammi Gallagher
Sammi is the WORST. You cannot argue with this. From mooching off of Sheila and Frank to turning in her own brother to the military police, she is the literal worst thing that has ever happened to television.
15. Karen Jackson
Karen comes in close to being the worst character on the show. She’s spoiled, manipulative and tries to sell her own baby for a cash payout.
14. Jimmy (Steve??) Lishman
Jimmy, or Steve, or whatever his real name is, breaks Fiona’s heart multiple times and is overall a gutless loser. Next.
13. Debbie Gallagher
Debbie sucks. She’s far too eager to grow up, and when she is forced to grow up (ahem, teen pregnancy), she turns into an unappreciative and entitled brat.
12. Jody Silverman
Jody is just creepy–he starts off engaged to Karen and then somehow ends up sleeping with her mom, Sheila. He also weirdly resembles this cat.
11. Sheila Gallagher/Jackson
Ok, there’s nothing to HATE about Sheila, but she’s annoying as hell and definitely has some weird quirks to her. Don’t hate her, but definitely don’t love her either.
10. Frank Gallagher
OK, Frank is one of those characters that you have every reason to hate. He probably deserves to be titled “the worst character on ‘Shameless’” considering some of the awful things he has done to even his own children, but there is something endearing about him at the same time that makes him a likeable character. He has some real charm, and I hate to say it, but Frank is definitely a personal fave for me.
9. Mandy Milkovich
Yeah, she hit Karen with her car, but we already established that Karen sucks. And she is the sole reason that Lip went to college, so that in and of itself lands Mandy a pretty high spot on this list.
8. Liam Gallagher
Ok TBH Liam is a toddler and doesn’t really do much, but he’s just so damn cute. What’s not to love??
7. Kevin Ball
There’s nothing not to love about Kevin. He’s a caring father and his and V’s relationship is legit #goals.
6. Veronica “V” Fisher
I love V. She’s fiercely loyal to her family and the Gallaghers, and she doesn’t let anyone give her sh*t. V is someone we should all aspire to emulate.
5. Ian Gallagher
Ian, despite his imperfections, is such a loveable character. He is loyal, caring and dedicated to his family and those he loves.
4. Mickey Milkovich
Mickey is a character that takes a few seasons to grow and develop, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Mickey would do anything for Ian because he knows that they are meant for each other. Get yourself someone who cares about you the way that Mickey cares about Ian.
3. Lip Gallagher
Lip is the definition of heartthrob. His “I don’t give a sh*t” attitude is both endearing and inviting in a way that tears at your heartstrings.
2. Fiona Gallagher
Fiona is the backbone of the Gallagher family and does everything in her power to keep the family afloat. Sure, she has made some mistakes and doesn’t always have the best sense of judgment, but she does her best and is a boss-ass bitch nonetheless.
1. Carl Gallagher
Carl is undeniably the best character on ‘Shameless.’ Carl goes through a lot and in season five, he decides he doesn’t want to live the thug life anymore. He turns himself around and saves the day when he’s able to buy the Gallagher house back.